Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Official Publication of Grand Forks - East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce
See page 2 for What’s Inside
Vol 7 Issue 4 April 2011
202 N. 3rd Street Grand Forks, ND 58203
PO Box 315 East Grand Forks, MN 56721
(701)772-7271 (701)772-9238 Fax
[email protected] www.gochamber.org
Mission Statement
“The Chamber of Commerce creates an environment
that encourages business success while enhancing the quality of life in our region.”
Join The Chamber in Spain - 2012
8 days in Barcelona & Madrid.... Join us for a glass of wine at
an Info Meeting April 12th at The Chamber. Please RSVP for the
meeting to [email protected] or 772-7271
In ThIs Issue:
Staff
Barry Wilfahrt President/CEO
Lisa Swanson Vice President of Operations
Jennifer Walsh Membership Relations Director
Kimberly Strom Program/Event Director
Carla Younce Finance Director
Audrey Lind Administrative Assistant
OfficersChair: Jim Galloway
JLG Architects Chair-Elect: Chris Semrau
Ralph Engelstad Arena Past Chair: Barb Schultz
Ideal Aerosmith Secretary: Bryan Lee
Gateway Storage Jeff Westrem
Hugo’s Family Marketplace Jeff Wilson
Vilandre Heating & Air Conditiong Barry Wilfahrt
The Chamber - GF/EGFDirectors
Craig Amiot - 5 Star Collision
Torrie Enget - Best Buy
Ron Galstad - Galstad, Jensen, Olson PA
Scott Huizenga- City of EGF Brian Johnson - Choice Financial
Phyllis Johnson- UND Jay Kleven - EAPC Architects
Curt Kreun - GF City Council
Linda Pierce -Crary Homes & Real Estate
Jim Richter - EGF EDHA
Jim Satrom - PS Doors
Tim Sayler - Altru Health System
Klaus Thiessen - GF Regional EDC
Coleen Tweten - Midcontinent Comm.
Matt Winjum - Rhombus Guys
Chris Wolf - Alerus Financial
Sr. Military Advisor to the BoardColonel Donald Shaffer - GFAFB
2 www.gochamber.org
Chamber News
Case For Future Missions Presented at the PentagonA dozen representatives from Grand Forks joined the North Dakota Con-gressional delegation at the Pentagon last month to meet with several key leaders at the Pentagon about future base mission and how the GFAFB is ideally suited for future tanker and re-motely piloted aircraft missions. Clear airspace, low encroachment and ramp space were three of the factors that make GFABE perfect for future mis-sions. Some of the group also met the Office of Economic Adjustment which fund the Base Reallignment Impact Committee (BRIC), and also attended the National Guard North Dakota reception which featured the Secretary of the Airforce, Secretary Donnally and Air Force Commander General Schwartz.
Attending were: Grand Forks Mayor, Michael Brown
Barry Wilfahrt, Chamber President, BRIC Committee Member
Klaus Thiessen, EDC President and BRIC Committee Member
Grand Forks County Commission Chairman Gary Malm
Eric Icard, EDC UAS Director
Sheila Bruhn, BRIC Coordinator
Al Palmer, UND UAS Director, MAC Co-Chair and Governor’s Airspace Committee
Diane Blair, former BRIC Coordinator
Barry Milavetz, UND Assistant VP of Research and Economic Development
John Marshall, GFAFB Ambassador
George Schlossberg, Consultant
Dave McFarlane, Governor’s Task Force MIND
Grand Forks Day at the Legislature a Success More than 30 people attended Grand Forks Day at the Legislature. The Chamber, EDC, UND and City joint came together to host the joint event aimed at communicating Grand Forks
Page 2Learn About GF/EGF
Customers From Expert Data
Page 4Welcome New Member
Page 6 & 7
A Month In Pictures
Page 8 & 9 Business Briefs
Page 10 April Brown Bag Seminar
Page 11 April Business After Hours
legislative messages collectively to maximize impact.
In addition to hosting a social and din-ner will all legislators in Grand Forks County the group updated Governor Dalrymple on the many good things happening in Grand Forks; Eric Hard-meyer with the Bank of North Daktota; Paul Govig, the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce and also University System Chancellor, Bill Goetz.
The group talked about the importance of the Center of Excellence program, the emergence of UAS as a growth in-dustry in our area, UND capital project needs and the North Dakota business climate.
Learn About GF/EGF Cus-tomers From Expert Data The Chamber will host a second customer propensity data workshop on Tuesday, April 12th from 8-9 a.m. at the Chamber office.
The Buxton Analytic Company Pro-pensity data and how to interpret it will be shared. Each attendee will them be
Continued on pg. 10
Chamber News
3 www.gochamber.org
The following businesses know the value of their Chamber Membership and have renewed their membership in The Chamber - GF/EGF. Please visit them for your purchasing needs.
Thank You For Renewing Your Membership
All Reasons Self Storage, LLCAmeriprise Financial-Roger HodnefieldCambridge Property ManagementCamrud, Maddock, Olson & Larson LtdCaulfield Studio, Inc.Commercial Printing/Morgan Printing, Inc.Edward Jones - Jeanne PetersonErickson Financial AdvisorsFM RedhawksForks FreightlinerForx Builders AssociationGrand Cities MallGrand Forks County Farm Service Agency
Grand Forks Newcomers Welcome ServiceGregory J. Norman Funeral HomeHoly Family/St. Mary’s School Hugo’s Wine & Spirits - 32nd Ave. S. Hugo’s Wine & Spirits - Columb. Rd. Grizzly’s Grill N’ SaloonInsight Technologies, IncJ & G LandscapingJC PenneyKidwell’s Signature Cleaning, Inc.KVRR - TVLakeview Inn & SuitesMcKenna & Associates, P.C.Midwest Motor
North Dakota Society of CPA’sNorthland Community & Technical College FoundationRandy Fenley, State Farm Insur-anceRent-A-Center Sand Steel Building Co.Scott’s Express, Inc.Tire One AutoValley Dairy/Valley Car WashValvoline Instant Oil ChangeWalhalla Bean Company
The Ambassadors helped welcome new business and chamber member, Heavenly Stitches with a ribbon cutting.
Heavenly Stitches Winmar Sleep CenterThe Ambassadors helped welcome celebrate Winmar Sleep Center’s Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting.
Ribbon cutting’s are held for new businesses, remodels, new construction, new locations, etc.If you would like to schedule a ribbon cutting from The Chamber’s Ambassador group, contact Jennifer Walsh at The Chamber, 701-772-7271 or [email protected]
Ambassador Ribbon Cuttings
www.gochamber.org4
Chamber News
Welcome New MembersBig D’s Bar & GrillChad Klinek2015 Library CircleGrand Forks, ND [email protected]
Hjelmstad InsuranceJon Hjelmstad2084 4th Ave NEThompson, ND [email protected]
Northside CaféHoa Rodriguez3450 Gateway DrGrand Forks, ND 58201701-738-8500
Sue Krenelka CPA919 6th St NGrand Forks, ND [email protected]
TransystemsTroy Carl2111 S Washington Suite AGrand Forks, ND [email protected]
Aqua Pure Water SolutionsMike Noland416 Gateway DrGrand Forks, ND [email protected]@midconetwork.comwww.aquapure-water.comAqua Pure Water Solutions has been serving the area for over 20 years with great customer service,
convenient bottled water and salt delivery, and top quality water treatment products at affordable prices.
Fire Audiological Services, P.C.Dr. Kevin Fire1732 S Washington Suite 84 (Grand Cities Mall)Grand Forks, ND [email protected] Audiological Services is the region’s only independent audiol-ogy practice. Dr. Kevin Fire is an Associate Professor Emeritus and has taught audiology and hearing instrument technology for twenty years at the university level. He is the only Ph.D. Audiologist who is licensed to dispense hearing aids in North Dakota and NW Minn. He is Board Certified in Audiol-ogy and a Fellow of The American Academy of Audiology. His goal is to make the patients feel they are valued, respected, and they are never hurried or rushed. He is truly honored when patients choose him to assist them in such an important way to stay connected to those important to them and the world around them.
Mary Kay – Natividad KolbGrand Forks, ND 58201718-683-1766701-775-1113nreynoso@gra.midco.netwww.marykay.com/nkolb1Mary Kay is the number one sell-ing brand in cosmetics and skin care, out selling brands sold at major retailers. I can help you find customized skin care for your spe-
cific needs, from the basic skin care to the most glamorous make up ap-plication for your special occasions, Wedding, Prom, Birthday, Senior pictures and much more. Host a party, earn FREE product and 50% off shopping spree.
Knight PrintingDoug Christians3401 Fiechtner DrFargo, ND 58103701-235-1121doug.christians@knightprinting.comwww.knightprinting.comAt Knight Printing, we believe it is our duty to help you complete your marketing and printing projects suc-cessfully, on time and error free. As part of our partnership with you, we believe that helping you to under-stand the printing process is the first step to completing your projects quickly and efficiently. Here we have compiled a number of resources to help you achieve success when working with us.
Affinity BuildersJeff Weber & Brian MercilGrand Forks, ND [email protected]
www.gochamber.org 5
Chamber News
Sometimes projects need a boost when trying to cross over from concept to reality. AE2S Nexus helps bridge that gap. We focus on creating solid plans, aggressively pursuing funding options, and assisting you with implementation to make sure your project is on solid ground.
The Financial Link
bridging the financing gap
• Utility Rate Analysis• Funding/Financing• Project Development and Administration• Economic Development• Asset Management
SerViceS
www.AE2SNexus.comA Division of AE2S (Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.) Registered Financial Advisor
North Dakota Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Aaron Krauter told The Chamber’s Agribusiness Committee at its March meeting that North Dakota farmers received well over $1 billion from farm program payments and crop insurance indemnities in 2010. Krauter estimates the State’s GDP at a little over $7 billion, so the FSA and the Risk Management Agency are “huge players”. Farm program payments to Grand Forks County farmers totaled $18.3 million last year.
Krauter pointed to a graph in the FSA’s new brochure to show the need for a farm safety net. In 1991,
the average return per acre for spring wheat in North Dakota was $9.62. Ten years later, in 2001, farmers lost an average of $17.38 per acre of spring
wheat. The projected return in 2011 is $73.83 per acre.
The number of acres idled in the Conservation Reserve Program in North Dakota continues to decline, from its 2007 peak of nearly 3.4 million acres.
The current total is 2.66 million and, assumiing no new enrollments, that will decline to less than 1.5 million acres by the fall of 2012.
The State FSA made loans totaling more than $600 million in 2010, more than half to beginning farmers.
ND Farm Service Agency Speaks at Ag Committee MeetingMike Hergert, RRV Farm Network & Chair of The Chamber’s Agribusiness Committee
A Month in Pictures
Alerus Center Business After Hours
Alerus Center Business After Hours
Alerus Center Business After Hours
March Brown Bag Seminar
Alerus Center Business After Hours
Kickbutt Sales TrainingA Month in Pictures
Grand Forks Day at The Legislature
Grand Forks Day at the Legislature
Alerus Center Business After Hours
Alerus Center Business After Hours
March Brown Bag Seminar
Business Briefs
8 www.gochamber.org
Howe Joins AE2SAE2S (Advanced Engineering and Envi-ronmental Services, Inc.) has hired Kelly Howe in its Moorhead, MN office as an Engineering Technician. Originally from Bismarck, ND, Kelly earned a Bachelor
of Science degree in Industrial Technology from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND and has over ten years of experience in civil drafting and site design.
Prior to joining AE2S, Kelly was an Engineering Technician at Ulteig Engineers. Kelly’s experience includes municipal projects, roads, and flood levees.
At AE2S, Kelly will provide design and drafting of civil related projects. Initially, he will be working on the Williston West Water and Sewer Extension Project and the Minto Wastewater Improvements Project.
“We are very impressed with Kelly’s skills and attitude. He is a great addition to our team,” says Operations Manager Eric Dodds, PE.
AE2S has also hired Everett Severinson in its Grand Forks, ND office as a Senior
Engineering Techni-cian. Originally from Reynolds, ND, Everett has over 36 years of experience in the design and drafting for civil and structural engineering projects. He earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Archi-
tectural Drafting and Estimating Technol-ogy from North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND. He is certi-fied as a Bituminous Pavement Inspector and as a Grade 1 Concrete Field Testing Technician.
Prior to joining AE2S, Everett was a Senior Engineering Technician at CPS, Ltd. and KBM, Inc. Some of the notable projects Everett has worked on include: Grand Forks Traill Water District System Improvements; Lagoon Upgrades for the City of Manvel, ND; new sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and forcemain in the Lake Lamond Addition in Bagley, MN; and the construction of 48th Street South in Grand Forks, ND.
At AE2S, Everett will perform design and drafting of civil related projects. Initially, he will be working on wastewater collec-tion and treatment projects for the City of Minto, ND.
“We are very excited about Everett joining our team. His extensive expertise and client-focused approach is a great fit at AE2S,” says AE2S’ Municipal and Geo-matics Group Manager, Roger Grimsley.
Johansen Joins Choice FinancialKris Johansen recently accepted a loan assistant position with Choice Financial
at their 1697 42nd Street South location in Grand Forks.
Johansen has nine years of previous banking experience at Bremer Bank. She and her husband, Jesse, have two
sons and reside near Manvel, ND.
JLG Architects Pledges 1%JLG Architects has joined The 1% Solu-tion, a nationwide program that asks architecture firms to dedicate one percent of their annual billable hours to pro bono service in order to “increase the quality and quantity of that work.” With five offices throughout North Dakota and Min-nesota, JLG was able to pledge 588 hours of design services for the year 2011.
JLG has long been committed to serv-ing its surrounding communities through social action and philanthropy, donating over $500,000 throughout the company’s history. While JLG has donated thousands of hours to similar organizations in the past, this is the first time this work has been formalized.
“There are many organizations out there operating on tight budgets that don’t have the resources to pay for architectural services, even though the future growth of their organizations often depends on a new or updated facility,” said Lonnie Laffen, President of JLG. “Pro bono architectural services can elevate a project and make a remarkable difference for the client, the client’s client, and the surrounding com-munity.”
JLG’s first project for The 1% Solution is to prepare a preliminary concept illustra-
tion for Trinity Youth Camp in Rolla, ND. The concept design will guide the Camp as they consider combining several temporary camp sites into a larger, permanent site.
The 1% program was created in 2005 by Public Architecture, a San Francisco-based public-service advocacy group. Today, over 900 architecture firms have pledged their time to The 1% program, delivering an estimated $150 million in pro bono services to 501(c)(3) organizations around the country.
ArtSee - May 12thJoin us at ArtSee on May 12th from 5-8pm at the North Dakota Museum of Art. You’ll experience a fun, lively, interactive environment that allows attendees to see a variety of art – everything from pottery to photography to painting – for free. ArtSee
invites art enthusiasts to view new art as well as encourages newcomers to the art scene to experience art for the first time in a casual, fun, and creative environment. Enjoy food, bever-ages, and live music
while you surround yourself with creative art, local artists, and good friends. Hosted by the Greater Grand Forks Young Profes-sionals. Sponsored by Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops. See our website for more information: http://www.ggfyp.com/artsee.
SimmonsFlint Wins Higher Ed Marketing AwardSimmonsFlint recently received indus-try recognition with multiple awards for its work on the University of Minnesota Crookston’s 2010 student recruitment materials.
Specifically in the field of higher educa-tion marketing, Higher Education Market-ing Report announced SimmonsFlint as a winner of the 26th Annual Educational Advertising Awards, the largest educa-tional advertising awards competition in the country (fact sheet available here). This year, over 2,500 entries were con-sidered from more than 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools from all 50 states and several foreign countries. Awards and certificates were given to those entrants whose materials displayed exceptional quality, creativity and message effectiveness.
Ferguson Books & Media Expands to Columbia Mall Ferguson Books and Media has opened a second locaton in the Columbia Mall. They recently held a grand opening. The first location on 32nda Ave. S. has only been open less than one year.expended! They are the only off-campus bookstore in the Grand Forks metro area and offer a full array of new and pre-owned books, CD’s, and DVD’s. They buy and trade from customers at the Menards location (original) only. The have late hours and offer drink refreshments. The have many events scheduled throughout the month and all are free. Author signings, book clubs, discussion groups, music perfor-mances and networking groups. Those are encouraged to visit their facebook page and website for more details. www.fergusonbooks.com or facebook.com/fergusonbooks. They plan to be around for quite some time,including expan-sion in the future and to support ereader downloads.
Forte Joins Gaffeneys Joe Forte has joined the Gaffaney’s -Hannaher’s sales team as a Stationery Supplies Account Executive. He brings
over 25 years of sales experience withhim, many in the office sup-ply industry.
Joe is anxious to handle all your sup-ply needs and looks forward to being your Local supply source.
Joe lives in Grand Forks with his wife Tina and their 1 year old son Gavin.
AE2S Supports Relay For Life AE2S invites everyone to check out their online auction to support Relay for Life – April 11 - 15. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to Relay For Life. Auction items range from one of a kind art pieces, quilts, gift baskets, and jewelry to homemade food items and services. Find great deals and support a wonderful cause. Please check it out at: http://www.ae2s.com/relayauction/2011.
9www.gochamber.org
Business Briefs
For the same promotional pieces, Simmons-Flint also received local Gold and Silver ADDY® Awards from the American Adver-tising Federation, the world’s largest adver-tising competition. The search piece posters received a Gold ADDY, while the entire Essentials campaign received a Silver ADDY.
Hannaher’s Acquires Gaf-faneys Office Solutions Hannaher’s Inc. a 72 year old Fargo, ND dealer of office furnishing and commer-cial flooring solutions for busines and healthcare environments, has announced their acquisition of Gaffaney’s Office Solutions of Grand Forks, ND.
Gaffaney’s Office Solutions has been operating in the region for over 65 years providing office supply and furniture solutions for their customers.
Both Hannaher’s and Gaffaney’s are rep-resenting Steelcase, the world’s preemi-nent office furniture manufacturer and the Office Furniture USA franchise in Fargo and Grand Forks.
“This strategic expansion of our marker will allow us to better serve our regional customers” said Hannaher’s, Inc. Presi-dent, Paul Hannaher. “We are very for-tunate to have the opportunity to expand into the vibrant Grand Forks market with an experienced and talented team already in place.”
“The opportunity for Gaffaney’s and Hannaher’s to combine our product and service offerings will be unmatched in the region. We’re excited about bringing those new opportunities to our custom-ers” said Nick Johnson, Manager at Gaf-faney’s.
Alerus Financial Hires and Promotes Alerus Financial is pleased to welcome Annie Berge as a relationship banker at its Express location in downtown Grand Forks.
Berge is responsible for providing banking servic-es to the small business customer segment. This includes generating new business opportunities and maintaining in-depth knowledge of all small business financial prod-
ucts and services offered at Alerus.
Berge previously was a personal banker with Wells Fargo in Mankato, MN. She received a marketing degree from the University of Min-nesota and currently lives in Grand Forks with her husband, Mick. Alerus Financial is also pleased to announce the promotion of Cindy Russell to BSA Officer.
Previously a fraud analyst, Russell is now responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act, anti-money laundering, customer identi-fication, and anti-
terrorist efforts. Additionally, she is also responsible for ensuring Alerus Financial employees meet all training requirements defined by regulations.
Russell has almost 30 years experi-ence in the banking industry, 23 of those with Alerus. She has worked in several areas at Alerus including loan operations, special credit, and fraud. Russell received a degree from Aakers Business College and lives in Grand Forks with her hus-band, Randy. They have one grown daughter.
Alerus Financial has also promoted Kim Lazur to fraud manager.
Previously a fraud analyst, Lazur now oversees the fraud department, includ-ing minimizing fraud exposure, imple-menting fraud pre-vention initiatives, and identifying news
systems to support fraud detection..
Lazur joined Alerus 23 years ago and has held many positions with Alerus Financial including teller, proof op-erator, recon specialist, and working in special credit. She currently lives in rural Hatton, ND. Lazur and her husband, Dan, have three children.
10 www.gochamber.org
Business Briefs
A Chamber & SCORE Brown Bag Seminar
Don’t Have HR? Are you interviewing & Hiring Legally?
Many small business owners and managers wear the Human Re-
sources hat but may not receive training or re-
sources in this field. Our panel of professionals will present information
and answer questions to help you know:*If you are using effective recruiting tools.
*How asking legal interview questions is important to your business.
*How to complete the I-9 correctly.
Panel Presentaton: Jeri HirdDutcher(moderator)John Friend (Human Re-
source Director); Sue Swanson (Attorney) and Susanne Straus (Human Resource Director)
Wednesday April 20, 2011 11:30am – 1:00pmThe Chamber 202 N. 3rd St, Grand Forks
$20/Person (Includes Lunch)
Seating is limited. Sign up soon! Reservations can be made at
772-7271 or email [email protected] with the names of those attending.
RSVP deadline is April 19, 2011.
Reservations not cancelled 3 business days prior to event will be billed.
given a minute to talk about how they see it being useful in their organization.. The first session was a huge success and we expect this one will also be very insightful for those who attend.
Check out the propensity data and retail site assessment information online at www.gochamber.org.
Don Fisk Named 8th GFAFB Ambassador Congratulations to long time Military Affairs Committee member Don Fisk, Insight Technologies on being named the GFAFB’s 8th Base Ambassador. This is the highest recognition any civilian can receive from the base. Other base Ambassadors are: Harriet Rothkopf
John Marshall
Don Larsen
Ken Towers
Marijo Shide
Jim Bradshaw
Jo Ann Renfrow
Don Fisk
Continued from pg. 3
11www.gochamber.org
Chamber NewsChamber News
GFK Flight Supportf invites all Chamber Members and employees to their Business After Hours on April 21st. Stop by and take advantage of great networking opportunities while you are there. You
might even win $400 in our progressive cash drawing! We’ll draw the name of one Chamber Member business. If someone from that business is present, they win!
Business After Hours is a great time to network, catch up with friends, coworkers and clients in a fun and casual way. Spread the word and plan to attend the next Business After Hours.
Free AdmissionComplimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks ~ Lots of Great
Door Prizes ~ Progressive cash drawing is at $400! ~ NO RSVP Needed
Hosted by GFK Flight Support
Hosted by:
2403 Air Cargo Dr
Thursday, April 21, 2011 4:45pm - 7:00pm
We have many enthusiastic volunteers ready to hit the streets promoting Chamber Membership. But, how can you help?
If you want to join our volunteers to call on prospec-tive members and win prizes, contact Jennifer.
If you know of a business that isn’t a Chamber mem-ber and you think that they would benefit from Cham-ber membership, contact Jennifer and a volunteer will call on them.
With our new online benefits, web page traffic catch-er site, valuable trainings and events and strong business advocacy, there’s never been a better time to be a member of The Chamber.
If you would like more info on how to help or be involved in the drive, contact Jennifer Walsh at 772-7271 or [email protected].
The Chamber To Hold Annual Membership Drive April 11th-29th
“Building a Better Chamber”
This area for current advertiser, delete this statement prior to printing.
12
New Resident Packets Distributed By The Chamber
In 2011:
53 Total for March: 10Total for March: 2
Certificates of Origin Signed By The Chamber In 2011:
6Member Referrals Made By
The Chamber In 2011:
Total for March: 235591
Dir. TCSLisa’s Soy Scents 727 163 Clarion Inn 643 68American Red Cross 642 65 GGF Conv. & Visitors Bureau 639 121st Liberty Fed. Credit Union 635 37Northern Bag & Box 633 15 Ameriprise Fin.-Debbie Albert 631 16
Top Member Directory Views/TCS Page Views for MarchNumber of Member Exposures for February (statistic includes internet search engine visits): 521,758
www.gochamber.org
Dir. TCSGF Co. Farm Serv. Agency 628 12Forx Builders Assoc. 627 21Stray Media Group 627 23 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union 624 36 First State Bank 624 15 GF Co. Soil Conservation District 624 48 Opp Construction 624 24
Check Out The Chamber Calendar of Events Here
With a one year contract, only $50/month!
Contact Lisa at [email protected] 701.775.0611 • marconet.com
Marco helps organizations manage their information by applying network expertise to voice, data, video, and print applications.
We specialize in:IT/Data Networking • Audio/Video SolutionsManaged Services • Voice Communications
Print Solutions • Video SurveillanceDocument Management
YOUR TRUSTEDTECHNOLOGY ADVISOR
